Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund

Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is looking for proposals for the R&D of an innovative new product/system/process that decarbonises or reduces waste within the Creative Industries, reducing impact on our climate and/or leading us towards net zero.

Applications are open. Apply here.

Any questions? Contact Us at creative.catalyst@wearecreative.uk

Full Guidelines can be found here.

What is it?

The Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is a grant fund of up to £250,000, available to enable creative talent to apply their capacity for innovation to tackle a specific challenge within the industry.

In this case, it is intended to be used for the research and development of an idea, product, system or process that reduces waste within the Creative Industries, decarbonises and/or reduces impact on our climate.

We may choose to make one award of £250,000 or a number of smaller awards up to the £250,000 total, depending on applications.

Your proposal must:

be from the creative industries and support the creative industries
demonstrate clear benefits for the UK creative industry and the wider UK
focus on a clear opportunity and the proposed innovation which addresses it

Your project must:

Have a total grant funding request of no more than £250,000*
Start by 01st April 2024
Last between 6 and 12 months
Carry out all of its project work in the UK
Intend to exploit the results from or in the UK

*Project budgets can exceed £250,000 but any additional funding must be clearly identified and in place*

Who is it for?

Applications are invited from UK Registered Ltd Companies/SMEs working in any subsector of the Creative Industries.

This may include:

TV & Broadcasting
Film
Gaming
Music & Sound
Design (Fashion, Interiors, Furniture, Product, Jewellery etc)
Advertising & Marketing
Crafts
Visual Arts
Dance, Theatre & Performance
Architecture
Publishing
AR, VR & Immersive
Createch

Proposals need to be for new projects – we can’t fund projects that are already in progress.

We are looking for high potential businesses in the creative sector. Ideally you have been registered and trading for 2+ years and/or you have demonstrable traction and experience within the creative sector

You must provide a robust delivery plan and finance model and demonstrate how this grant will positively impact not only our climate but also the growth and sustainability of your business.

Project Timeline

Applications open: 23rd October 2023
Q&A Session: TBC
Applications close: 27th November 2023
Assessments and further follow ups: December 2023
Award Decisions: January 2024

Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is powered by Creative UK, funded by Innovate UK.